VA awards $1.3M to expand veteran aid in Puerto Rico
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded nearly $1.3 million in grants to two organizations in Puerto Rico to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Casa del Peregrino Aguadilla Inc. will receive $623,921, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul South Pinellas Inc. was granted $650,000 to expand its services to the island.
Casa del Peregrino was founded in 1997 after a university survey found that homelessness was Aguadilla’s most pressing social issue, accounting for 67% of concerns. Director Carmen Rosario began by distributing clothing, personal hygiene items and meals with support from volunteers and civic groups.
Today, the shelter serves meals three times a day, offers counseling with drug and alcohol specialists, and provides referrals to rehabilitation programs. Participants also have access to showers, clothing, first aid and recreational activities.
The shelter is preparing to open an emergency facility with 20 sleeping spaces. It currently houses 60 men and 26 women, with 70% reporting drug addiction, 13% alcohol dependency and nearly 20% living with mental illness.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul South Pinellas, based in Florida, will extend its veteran programs to Puerto Rico with its $650,000 award. Services will include housing and housing counseling, health care, financial planning, child care, legal assistance and transportation.
Its experience providing supportive services in Florida will guide its work in Puerto Rico. Programs such as Supportive Services for Veteran Families, pro bono legal aid and rapid rehousing will be available to veterans on the island, the VA said.
“Supportive services like child care, housing counseling and financial planning can be important catalysts for preventing or resolving homelessness,” said David Dunning, interim network director. “These grants will help bring crucial support to thousands of veterans in need across the nation.”
The funding is part of $818 million in VA grants awarded through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, which provides case management and services to prevent homelessness, identify housing and rehouse veterans and their families.
